SOUTH AFRICAN TROOPERS' MEMORIAL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 223, 26 January 1911, Page 4

SOUTH AFRICAN TROOPERS' MEMORIAL

UNVEILING CEREMONY TO-DAY. BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR. "Erected in memory of the Taranaki men who fell in the South African War, li89!)-l!)(>>, by the people of the district, in admiration of their patriotism in volunteering to join the Motherland forces on behalf of the Empire." This is the inscription on the memorial to be unveiled by His Excellency the Governor on Marsland Hill to-day at norn. The memorial fountain, which is about 30 feet high, is a useful-looking structure, with concrete circular base and ornamental fountains. Its erection was mainly due to the efforts of the South African Memorial Committee, of which Mr. E. Dockrill is chairman. It is situated to the east of the Maori War memorial. Pointing seaward, and guarding as it were the troopers' monument, "Pompom No. -231G" is a fitting accompaniment. It is a Viekers-Maxim machine, resting on a concrete base, and is painted khaki, bcaruig the following inscription: "This gun was buried by the Boers, and was afterwards presented by Lord Kitchener to the colony of New Zealand in recognition of the service of the Fourth and Fifth Contingents in the second Boer War, 1902."

The circumstances attending its presence in Xew Plymouth are as follows: The gun was sent bore along with other mementof of the Boer War to the Tsoiought Coui'oil some years aao, and was stored in the Drill Hall. The .Memorial r< ommi|jtee were instrumental in rescuing ..the relic-and placing it in its present position^